Tam-O'-Shanter

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ABSTRACT: Gordon Burnes, an elderly man with cancer, is visiting a young girl dying of leukemia in the Children's Hospital in San Diego. He is reminiscing about his days as an actor. He first appeared in “Our Mutual Friend,” in 1936, with Joan Fontaine and Olivier. He had gone on to appear in films for six years as Gordie MacTavish, the “Highland Lad.” The movies were about a jaunty Scottish boy. He had then had a contract with Paramount, some bit parts, and then lived in Burbank and worked in Public Relations for a big production company. He is retired and hasn't been in a film for 35 years. He still lives in Burbank with his wife Dolores. The little girl has requested a visit from him because she is inspired by his “Gordie” films. He of course consents, but is very uncomfortable in the hospital waiting to see her. He is unhappy because the children are always shocked that he isn't 12 years old. He is almost jealous of these children because they will die young and not live to age and decay as he has. This girl, however, is glad to see him; he is struck by her serenity and is uplifted.